Midnight Waffles Cowl

Midnight Waffles Cowl by Evin Bail O'Keeffe

What Is Being Made

The Midnight Waffles Cowl is a versatile knitted cowl designed by independent designer Evin Bail O'Keeffe. This circular neckwear piece functions as both a traditional cowl and an alternative headband or earwarmer. The finished cowl measures 23.5cm in height, providing substantial coverage and warmth. The design celebrates small moments and personal traditions, inspired by the designer's cherished memories of late-night diner visits with family.

Knitting Techniques

The Midnight Waffles Cowl employs a distinctive construction method that creates visual complexity through simple stitch combinations. The pattern utilizes a provisional cast on, which is a temporary cast-on method that allows stitches to be picked up later. After completing the main body of the cowl, the provisional cast-on edge is joined directly to the bind-off edge, creating a continuous circular pattern. This joining technique produces a double-layered construction that enhances insulation and durability, making the cowl particularly effective for cold-weather wear.

Stitches Used

Despite its visually intricate appearance, the Midnight Waffles Cowl is constructed using only three fundamental knitting stitches:

• Slipped stitches – stitches passed from one needle to another without working through them, creating texture and pattern definition
• Knit stitches – the basic forward stitch that forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitches – the reverse of the knit stitch, used in combination to create the distinctive waffle-like texture

The strategic combination of these three stitches creates the complex visual effect that gives the cowl its name and character.

Materials and Specifications

The Midnight Waffles Cowl is worked in DK weight yarn, a light-weight yarn that provides excellent drape and versatility. The pattern requires 3 skeins of yarn, making it an efficient project in terms of yardage. The project is classified as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with more complex stitch combinations and construction techniques such as provisional cast-ons and three-dimensional shaping.

Design Notes

The Midnight Waffles pattern demonstrates how simple stitch techniques can be combined to create sophisticated visual effects. The waffle texture emerges naturally from the interplay of knit, purl, and slipped stitches, making this an excellent project for developing stitch manipulation skills. The innovative joining method—connecting the provisional cast-on to the bind-off edge—eliminates the need for seaming and ensures a seamless, continuous pattern around the entire circumference of the cowl.